The Stone Forest


The Stone Forest (or "Shilin") is located about 90 kilometers southeast of Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province in southwest China. This spectacular geological site is famous for its unique rock formations, which look like petrified forests, with stone columns emerging from the ground like trees in a forest.


The Shilin formations are the result of millions of years of natural erosion of limestone rocks, which have created these imposing and complex limestone structures. The area covers about 350 square kilometers and includes several areas, including the main Stone Forest, famous for its imposing tree-shaped "stones", and other smaller formations, including caves, ponds and picturesque landscapes.


In the park, you can admire stone formations that resemble towers, peaks, spires and columns, creating an almost surreal landscape, which has inspired local legends and myths. The Stone Forest is also an important cultural area, linked to the culture of the Bai and Sani, two ethnic groups that live in the region. Some of the stones are also associated with mythological stories, such as that of a young girl who was transformed into stone, which according to legend can be seen in one of the formations.


In 2007, the Stone Forest was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, thanks to its extraordinary natural beauty and geological value. This site attracts many tourists every year, who come to explore the unique landscape, walking among the "tree-stones" and enjoying the breathtaking views offered by the park.


In addition, the area is also famous for its mild climate, which makes the site an ideal destination for visits in all seasons. Whether you like geology, nature or Chinese culture, the Stone Forest is a place that does not disappoint!

Stone Forest scenic area with dramatic limestone rock formations rising from calm lake waters under blue sky and clouds.
Dramatic limestone karst formations tower over a hiker in Stone Forest, with jagged rock pillars silhouetted against cloudy sky.
A person wearing a brown cap and blue sweater carries a red bundle at an outdoor market in autumn.
Tall limestone karst formations tower over a manicured garden with yellow bushes and round stone sculptures in the foreground.
A crowded tourist area at Stone Forest with limestone formations and colorful umbrellas in Yunnan, China.
Towering limestone rock formations rise dramatically against a cloudy sky in a natural stone forest landscape.
Dramatic rocky cliffs and jagged mountain peaks rise against a cloudy blue sky in a rugged wilderness landscape.
Dramatic stone pillars rise against a cloudy sky at the Shilin Stone Forest limestone karst formation in China.
Jagged mountain peaks rise dramatically between dark rocky cliffs under a cloudy sky in a dramatic landscape view.
Dramatic rock formations silhouetted against cloudy sky with sunlight peeking through trees at sunset.
Dramatic rock formations tower against a blue sky with wispy clouds at Externsteine natural monument in Germany.
Dramatic granite rock formations rise against cloudy sky at South Dakota's Mount Rushmore park.
Dramatic limestone karst formations rise against a cloudy sky at the Stone Forest in Yunnan Province.
Looking upward through trees creates a dramatic silhouette against a bright sky with jagged edges framing the opening.
Aerial view of dramatic limestone rock formations with jagged spires and green vegetation in a natural karst landscape.
Dramatic stone pillars rise against a cloudy sky at the Putangirua Pinnacles geological formation in New Zealand.
A traditional Chinese pagoda perches alongside dramatic limestone karst formations against a cloudy blue sky.
Dark atmospheric rock formations tower against a moody sky, showcasing jagged peaks and vertical cliffs.
Rocky cliffs frame yellow autumn foliage against a moody sky in this atmospheric nature landscape.
Dramatic view of tall rocky spires and cliffs framed through a natural stone arch against a misty sky.
Tall limestone rock formations rise among autumn trees in a dramatic natural landscape.
A gnarly tree branch silhouetted against the sky, viewed from below through an opening in steep canyon walls.
Dramatic stone formations rise against blue sky at Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in Madagascar.
Dramatic jagged rock formations rise against a bright sky creating dramatic shadows in a mountainous landscape.
Towering limestone rock formations rise against a blue sky with white clouds at Stone Forest in China.
Aerial view of the Stone Forest limestone karst formations surrounded by green vegetation in Yunnan, China.